Energy price rises have been big news in recent days, with a 9.2% dual fuel increase from British Gas, followed by a similar rise from Npower. Former Prime Minister Sir John Major has joined the long list of high profile figures to condemn the rises, suggesting that power companies should pay a tax which would fund those who struggle to pay their heating bill.

The controversy over steep price rises comes as temperatures begin to drop across the UK, leading to fears that a particularly cold winter could lead to unnecessary deaths – particularly among the elderly.

As many of our home and landlord insurance customers know, it can be costly to effectively heat a home over the winter, especially if the property in question is older and has not been insulated.

Here are 10 quick tips to help keep your home warmer this winter::

Use heavy curtains to prevent heat escaping through your windows.

Seal any gaps or cracks that let heat out and cold in.

Insulate your home, or top up older insulation.

Add pelmets to the top of your curtains to keep cold out.

Wear additional clothes so you don’t need the temperature to be so high.

Close off any rooms you don’t use, and turn off heating inside them.

Ensure any windows facing the sun are not curtained when it is sunny – and get free natural heat.

If you are unable to deal with draughts or insulate your room, ensure you yourself are near a heater.